Rescue Efforts for Animals After Hurricane Helene Bring Relief to Asheville

Animal lovers can rejoice in knowing that over 100 animals from the Asheville Humane Society (AHS) have been safely evacuated after Hurricane Helene struck the mountain community. In addition to these, hundreds more animals were rescued across western North Carolina.

The evacuation was made possible with the help of the BISSELL Pet Foundation and Forsyth Humane Society, which collaborated with AHS to transport the animals to safety. “This is our bright spot. This is our happiness,” said Jen Walter, AHS’s director of operations. “We love our animals enough to let them go, because their happiness is our purpose.” The BISSELL Foundation not only provided a plane to transport the animals but also brought over 1,000 pounds of supplies to aid the shelter.

Once the supplies were unloaded, 40 dogs, 57 cats, and other small pets were flown to Forsyth Humane Society. Meanwhile, additional animals from Asheville and surrounding areas were taken to the SPCA of Wake County for care and shelter.

AHS expressed deep gratitude for the efforts of their staff and volunteers. “Staff and volunteers always give so much of themselves to our animals, but today was beyond anything we could ever ask for,” AHS shared on Facebook. The emergency evacuation has not only ensured the animals’ safety but also created space for the shelter to focus on recovery efforts for the community.

The animals arrived at their new locations in good spirits despite the chaos of recent days. In Wake County, the animals were welcomed with treats, toys, cozy beds, and medical care. “They are in amazingly good spirits after the chaos of the past several days,” the SPCA of Wake County posted on social media.

However, as AHS continues to recover, they have temporarily halted the intake of any new animals due to a lack of clean water. “Out of an abundance of caution, we cannot accept animals at this time,” AHS announced. They are asking anyone who finds stray or missing pets to provide food and water and shelter them if possible.

The most urgent needs for AHS right now are monetary donations and gasoline. If you would like to contribute, gas can be dropped off at 14 Forever Friend Lane in Asheville, and monetary donations can be made directly to AHS. SPCA of Wake County is also accepting donations to aid in the ongoing rescue efforts.

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